PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK WEB SCHEDULES AS SOMETIMES CLASSES SHIFT.

Yoga Workshops

december 21 AT 7:15PM @ Solstice Yoga + BarrE

A Special Winter Solstice PracticeRestorative/ Gentle Yoga led by Shonali Banerjee with Live Chanting of Planetary Alignment by Blue Spirit Wheel

***Proceeds Benefit Centering Youth***www.centeringyouth.org

The Planetary Alignment is a series of mantras designed to balance the subtle energies and celestial forces! The planets in Vedic Astrology, which include the Sun and the Moon, plus the two nodes of the ecliptic, have been affecting our lives constantly since we were born, directing the flow of our karma and creating both good and bad circumstances in our lives. The astrologers of ancient India discovered particular mantra vibrations that could amplify the effect of these planetary energies. They also understood the relationship between particular planets and certain deities, known as planetary rulers, who can mitigate the negative effects. By combining the nine planetary mantras with the mantras of the ruling deities into a single vibrational tapestry, a complete balancing of a person’s energy system can be achieved, resulting in a more smooth flow of energy throughout all aspects of life. When combined with asana practice, this becomes a powerful method for manifesting those energies in the physical world!

Kirtan musicians Ian Boccio and Stephanie Kohler from Blue Spirit Wheel will be teaming up with yoga instructor Shonali Banerjee to present the Planetary Alignment in the form of an all-levels yoga class. Shonali has created a gentle-restorative practice that allows class participants to connect to the energy vibrations of the planet and deity mantras directly through their bodies. Blue Spirit Wheel has presented the Alignment in this format during multiple tours around the U.S., and they have found that students in these classes can have deep, blissful experiences and feel a strong sense of harmony with the cosmos. We invite you to join us in this consciousness expanding practice!

*spaces are limited, pre-registration is requiredGentle-Restorative All-LevelsFull Practice + Listening$30 before 12/15- Early Bird$35 after 12/15

Listening Room Only$20

Blue Spirit Wheel

Based out of Atlanta, GA, Blue Spirit Wheel was manifested in 2012 by Ian Boccio and Stephanie Kohler, for the purpose of exploring new ideas in chant music and facilitating deep experiences of Divine Consciousness with spiritual communities around the US. Based on the fundamental rhythms and vibrations contained within the Sanskrit language, the band incorporates a wide variety of instruments and musical paradigms to create soundscapes that draw the listener info a deep state of meditative expansion. The audience is invited to participate by chanting simple mantras along with the music, or interact with the sounds through dance and movement. In addition to their many years of musical and artistic experience, the chant leaders in Blue Spirit Wheel draw on their backgrounds in yoga practice for guidance: Ian is a dedicated mantra yogi who regularly leads weekend workshops throughout the US, while Stephanie teaches internationally.

Since its inception, Blue Spirit Wheel has been in a constant state of expression and creation. The band has already released four albums, Ādi (2012), Darkness To Light (2013), Kailāsa (2014), and Planetary Alignment (2016). Several successful tours across a majority of the U.S. have brought a national awareness of Blue Spirit Wheel’s unique sound vibrations, and the band is committed to continuing with an extensive tour schedule into the future. Blue Spirit Wheel has also begun moving into the circuit of high vibration festivals, with appearances at Bhakti Fest Midwest, the Color Festivals in Atlanta and Charlotte, Floyd Yoga Jam, Rock the Bhakti, Kinnection Campout, and Lovelight. Ian and Stephanie are both founders and organizers of the ChantLanta Sacred Music Festival, now in its 6th year, and Blue Spirit Wheel has regularly performed in support of ChantLanta’s charity mission.

Chanting upcoming

NOVEMBER 11 AT 7PM @ VISTA YOGA

We are raising the energy vibration of the Sacred Feminine. Working with fresh flower petals, as a community, infused by live chanting, guided by visiting international yoga teacher Rachel Zinman, we will create a flower yantra to anchor us all to our Hearts. A Yantra or mandala is a potent tool for transformation, meditation and liberation. By creating this yantra together, we celebrate our individual & community potential to face fierce truths, to transform ourselves with grace & humility, and for love & understanding to reign supreme. Our work together will help us to recognize each other as powerful and unique so we may transcend cultural, racial and religious boundaries.

The creation of the yantra will be framed by the chanting of mantras guided by Atlanta’s own, Shonali Banerjee. Shonali will be joined by a very special visiting guest, Johanna Beekman and Rachel contributes her vast experience with mantra to the mix, completing this feminine triumvirate. Gershone & Krishna, Stephanie from Blue Spirit Wheel and Sydney from One Voice will also be lending their super charged musical support to round out and expand the potent vibrations. With Vista Yoga celebrating 8 years, you can expect a very special evening in a beautiful community. Please, be present!

BIOS:Rachel Zinman has been practicing since 1983, teaching since 1992 and teaching teachers since 2000. She’s studied with some of the most influential teachers in the west including Alan Finger and Mark Whitwell as well as immersing herself in the study of Advaita Vedanta in the lineage of Shankacharya in India. She also hosts her own teacher training courses, workshops and retreats in इष्टम् ISHTAM with her partner, John Weddepohl in Australia, Europe and South Africa. A professional dancer from a young age, a singer/songwriter, award winning musician, published poet and best selling author. She is currently completing her first book on Yoga for Diabetes, sharing her own journey of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult and how yoga and ayurveda can help anyone living with diabetes to thrive. She writes for many online and in print magazines including Australian Yoga Journal and Australian Yoga Life. www.rachelzinmanyoga.com.www.yogafordiabetesblog.com/yoga-for-diabetes-book/www.subwaybhaktis.net

Johanna Beekman is a multi-genre recording artist, sacred songstress, yoga teacher, and kirtan artist. She is loved for her rich, soulful voice, radiant spirit, and evocative, inspiring songs. Johanna’s devotional music springs from her roots in gospel, blue-eyed soul, and world music. Her introduction to the sacred art of chanting began at a young age with Krishna Das and Ram Dass. This has born fruit in recent years as she has dedicated her life to the path of yoga and chant. She created Lullaby Yoga, a unique fusion of dreamy chants and restorative and yin yoga. She also offers world-inspired gospel-infused kirtan for festivals, yoga studios, and churches across the country. http://www.johannasings.com/

Shonali Banerjee Since 1995 Shonali has found solace, strength & expansion through yoga. Shonali was 500 hour certified in 2002 in NYC with Alan Finger's ISHTA yoga program. After moving to Paris, France in 2004, Shonali did further study in India & Europe focusing on therapeutics & women's issues with TKV Desikachar and taught yoga full time. Shonali relocated to Atlanta in 2010 and completed another 500 hour training with the Pranakriya Yoga school and is now a certified Yoga Therapist. You'll find Shonali singing during her classes to access the power of sacred song & chant. Shonali has also been honored to teach prisoners prenatal yoga through Centering Youth, a local non-profit bringing yoga to under-served populations throughout Atlanta. www.shonaliyoga.com

June 10 at 7pm @ Vista YogaMantra Ma: Farewell+Gratitude

Mantra Ma - an evening of kirtan! Reunited and it feels sooooo good. JOCELYN ROSE + SHONALI BANERJEE ... joined by our sweetest Mantra Pa's!! IAN BOCCIO + ADAM HOFFMAN. Join us as we say a heartfelt farewell to Jocelyn before she moves to Toronto with her family.

The evening begins with guided gentle movement, led by Shonali Banerjee, to the soothing centering sounds of Jonathan Adams Tibetan bowls.

Then Stephanie Kohler will lead a community kirtan jam, with assistance from Ian Boccio, Gershone Hendleberg, and Flavia Krishna. No yoga or musical experience required—come connect and explore. If you have a harmonium or hand percussion instruments, feel free to bring them for the jam.

We'll close with a big music circle, where you can play, dance, chant, and keep the soul-stirring momentum going!

While the creative vibrations are flowing, there will be a space to make signs for IRC beneficiaries, reminding them to stay hopeful.

This is an all levels, all ages event at Vista Yoga. All donations and silent auction bids will benefit the International Rescue Committee.*If you'd like to donate to our silent auction, please email marti@vistayoga.comSuggested Donation: $20

Doors open at 6:30pmEvening opens at 7pm with Introductions and words from the local IRCMovement and kirtan will follow

`````````````````````````The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC in Atlanta focuses on providing a safe place to live, a furnished apartment, access to quality health care services, English and job skills classes, and employment services, all as a way to ensure refugees feel welcome and secure.(https://www.rescue.org/

What is your favorite yoga pose and why? Has it always been that? I love handstands. Handstands saved my life. About 5 years ago, my 2nd child was born and I had post-partum depression. Practicing handstands helped propel me out of that deep funk. It has certainly not always been like that. Handstands used to terrify me. It took me at least 5 years of practicing yoga before I had the strength and courage to even try hopping up at the wall. I still experience fear of falling when working handstands in the middle of the room. I prefer to work at the wall where I feel safer and can still gain many of the benefits.

What got you hooked on Yoga?I got hooked on yoga lying in savasana. I recall so clearly being told by my teachers to accept myself as I was in that moment and I remember feeling enormous waves of relief that I could soften within myself. Listening to my teachers chant also hooked me in. The chanting brought me to a place where I could connect to something greater than myself.

Favorite Atlanta restaurant? The latest hot spot in Decatur is the Kimball House, and I LOVE it! I've been going there since it opened because it reminds me of the restaurants I used to frequent when I lived in Paris, France. Great cocktails, fabulous ambiance, and delicious food all close to home.

Favorite Atlanta outdoor activity? I love hiking Sweet Water Creek with my family. We pack a picnic lunch and wear our water shoes. Taking my kids rock hopping into the middle of the creek is my favorite part. Since the water levels are always changing, it always feels like an adventure. Plus we see snakes, herons, adorable dogs and great people.

What does a typical Friday night look like for you? I LOVE friday nights. I get my 2 kids from school & we hook up with friends for a happy hour drink. We go somewhere the kids can run around and be crazy so the "grown ups" can unwind from the week. Then, we let the kids stay up & watch a movie while we hang on the front porch. Somewhere between dinner & the movie there's usually a silly dance party.

Free 'shout out' to anyone or anything you love... GO! Hmmm.... I LOVE walking labyrinths. Not mazes, but labyrinths. Labyrinths have one path to follow that weaves and turns, and that path ultimately leads you directly to the center. You can't get lost! Labyrinths are a powerful place to meditate and clear your head. Check out the Dancing Bear Labyrinth in Grant Park. It's a treasure right here in Atlanta.